Introduction to Guatemala

A country of striking features and a strong indigenous culture, Guatemala's natural beauty and powerful identity stand in stark contrast to its bloody past and troubled present.

In Guatemala, the richest 20% of the population own 60% of the overall wealth, leaving the poorest 20% of the population owning just 3%. In Guatemala two thirds of children live in poverty.

Many children in Guatemala have been orphaned by civil war and violence. Children are also abandoned by parents too poor to cope. Some are runaways from physical or sexual abuse within the family.

29% of children aged five to fourteen are involved in child labour and are being sent out to work in difficult and dangerous conditions. 63% of children complete primary school education, but there are high drop-out rates are due to poverty or the fact that these children have to work.  

On the streets of Guatemala children soon fall prey to violence, exploitation and disease. They are rejected by society and known as 'disposable'. They become victims of harassment and abuse. Many children seek to numb the pain and loneliness by turning to solvent abuse.

We are going to Guatemala to see the work of Toybox, whose mission is to bring lasting and positive change to the lives of street children, street working children and those at risk of becoming so, through front line work, prevention and advocacy. For more info on the work of Toybox see www.toybox.org.uk